Young Westside team stays optimistic

Chris Gay

Tuesday

Aug 28, 2007 at 6:00 AM

Westside learned in 2006 there's little margin for error.

The Patriots lost by seven at Jefferson County in the regular season finale and fell to fifth in the region, missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker. Westside also lost a tight game at Screven County and fell in overtime at Swainsboro.

A touchdown here and there, and the Patriots could have won their first region title since 2000. Instead, the team finished 7-3 and missed the postseason.

"It was a good year, but it wasn't where we wanted to be," Westside coach Gerald Barnes said. "Everybody wants to be in a playoff situation. It just didn't happen for us."

The Patriots return without experienced players at the skill positions. Yet, Westside has a renewed sense of optimism.

"All the games we lost were away games," senior Sanders Commings said. "Now, all those games are at home. I think that's going to make a big difference."

Commings - a highly-touted Division I prospect with offers from Auburn, Georgia, Maryland and South Carolina - is key to Westside on both sides of the ball. On defense last season, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Commings intercepted seven passes.

The biggest move Commings makes this year is from wide receiver to quarterback to replace Melvin Tanksley on an offense that scored 40 or more points in six games. Commings expects a smooth transition because he started at quarterback in eighth grade and played under center in practice last year.

"Sanders can throw," Barnes said. "Of course, he's very athletic. Sanders can do some things at quarterback. I think he's looking forward to the challenge."

Commings is one of six returning starters on offense and defense. Senior fullback/linebacker Zach Gaddy, offensive/defensive end Steven Timmons and offensive lineman Daniel Inglett make up the core of players with starting experience.

Sophomore Chris Hunter takes over at running back for Charles Hankerson, who transferred to Josey. Hunter is one of 27 juniors and sophomores fighting for playing time.

Westside is looking to shore up the middle of the line. Timmons and junior Brandon Johnson (6-4, 260) are capable defensive ends, and Gaddy and Greg Kuchenbecker should be solid at linebacker. Westside's defense allowed just 11.3 points a game last season, but it allowed 20 or more points in the team's three losses. Those losses prevented the Patriots from making their sixth playoff appearance in seven years.

Despite its inexperience, Barnes said his team has its eyes on the postseason.

"I don't know where we are, to be honest," he said. "We have a chance to be pretty good. How long it takes us, I don't know."

PROGRAM STATUS: Westside is one of only two rock-solid programs in Richmond County. They've gone 22-20 over the past four seasons and have made the state playoffs twice. One concern is last year's team. The Patriots underachieved with one of their best rosters, especially on offense. They will have to be overachievers to produce wins in 2007.

2007 STORY: The Patriots compete in the area's most competitive region and have taken personnel hits at several skill positions. They might be out-gunned offensively vs. some of the better teams in their region.

HALF-FULL OUTLOOK: The move of future college football player Sanders Commings (6-2, 195) from receiver to quarterback should help out on offense. Putting the ball in the hands of one of the area's top talents every play will throw a scare into every defense attempting to stop the Patriots. He could carry this team to a playoff spot.

HALF-EMPTY OUTLOOK: There are only 37 varsity players, not counting the freshmen, in this program. There is very little depth on both the offensive and defensive lines. The Patriots also lost two talented transfers at running back. Who will help Commings move the ball? There are only three games on the schedule the Patriots should be favored to win this year.

- Jeff Sentell

PREP PREVIEW

The Augusta Chronicle will preview the following Georgia football teams heading into the start of the season:

Monday: Evans, Greenbrier

Today: Richmond Academy, Westside

Wednesday: Glenn Hills, Thomson

Thursday: Lincoln County, Warren County

Friday: Burke County, Laney

For more on high school football, log on to: www.augusta chronicle.com/sports.

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